Monday, February 20, 2017

Naija Tour Operator - Naija Nomad

I got to know about Naija Nomad from Travel-lover buddy, Kemi Onabanjo. I like their 2017 Calendar and I look forward to going for one this year *fingers crossed*

Naija Nomad 2017 Calendar

Enjoy our interview with the Head Nomad *I like this titled. I smiled when I saw it* 😊

Q1. Please kindly introduce yourself.

A1.
My name is Ayomofe Runsewe, Head Nomad at Naija Nomads. My nomadic adventures
kicked off in 2012 during my LLM in London. I found myself in extremely diverse
circles from people all over the world. Everyone had an insightful stories
about their countries and I got curious. I wanted to see all these places first
hand. My very first "out of the way" trip was to Marrakech in
Morocco. This trip was a game changer and I haven't looked back ever since.

Q2.Describe yourself
in three words.

A2.
I like to think I'm a lot of things. But if I had to pick three I'll say
Creative, Spontaneous and Adventurous

Q3. Tell us more about your tour operating company. When did you start it? What inspired you to start one?

A3. So my platform really focuses is on encouraging/educating Nigerians on
the benefits of seeing the world and we don't really focus on tours. However,
our first group trip was in 2015 to Kajuru Castle in Kaduna State.

The
inspiration for starting trips really came from the constant emails we got from
people on travel buddy needs. We realized that some people really wanted to
travel but didn't want to do it alone. So we thought why not create a platform
where these nomads can meet and share their experiences and maybe become travel
buddies from there!

A4. First there is the Nigerian factor of unpredictability. Since
most of our operations is outsourced i.e. Transportation, feeding etc,
sometimes you are at the mercy of incompetent vendors. Secondly Nigerians are
TOO last minute. It's actually ridiculous. You really can't plan anything
because 24hours to your trip people are still asking if they can make payment 😂. There is also the lack of
infrastructure and horrible customer service at various
sites/attractions.

Q5. How many states in
Nigeria have you, personally traveled to?

A5. I've been to 12 states in
Nigeria

Q6. How many domestic tours in Nigeria have you organized so
far?

A6.
Five (5)

Q7.Where are your
“Must-Travel” destinations for individuals, couples, family and groups in
Nigeria?

A7. Sigh! This is such a tough question because every state has
its own uniqueness to it. For individuals i.e. Solo travellers, I'll be honest Nigeria
isn't exactly a solo traveller destination. It's not exactly solo traveller
friendly. You kinda have to know someone in Nigeria or have some sort of link
before you come down. However if you must come, I'll say come to Lagos. Lagos
is probably the most diverse destination in Nigeria. It's the commercial hub
and the most vibrant city in Nigeria. And from Lagos you can tour the south
west easily.

For couples, definitely cross river, obudu cattle ranch or they
could also try out one of these resorts in Lagos; la campagne tropicana, inagbe
resorts, Epe resorts. If they are up for an adventure, they can hike Oke Ado Mountain
in Oyo State or Idanre hills in Ondo state or go camping in Omo Forest
groove.

For family and groups, there is Abraka turf and country club in Delta State, IITA in Oyo State, Yankari Games Reserve in Bauchi State or the
Gashaka Gumti in Taraba State.

Q8. Where do you see your tour operating company in the
next 5 years?

A8. Doing big things like having tour guides in all regions within Nigeria. I
would like to have a proper booking platform where people from all over the
world can book and pay for our tours. People will also have the options for
tailored specific trips.

Q9.What is your
advice to those who want to start their own tour operating company in
Nigeria?

A9. Just do it! Have a unique selling point and think outside the box. Tour
operating companies have been in existence for years so give people a reason to
go with you. You need to ensure you give people more than just visiting a place.

Q10. Where do you see the Nigerian
tourism industry in the next 5 to 10 years?

A10.Not very
far. Individuals are doing their own part and people in the industry have great
dreams for Nigeria. But if there is no willingness from the government we can't
go very far. For example the roads to an attraction/site need to be motor able
and easily accessible to encourage people to visit. The security challenges
need to be dealt with. If people don't feel safe they will be reluctant to
travel. So until all these measures are put in place tourism is less likely to
thrive in Nigeria.

Q11. Please give us your personal experience of how your tour operating company has
changed your life.

A11. It's been an
incredible journey. To be honest I never pictured myself doing tours or
anything of that sort. I've meet so many people from all works of life who
absolutely love to travel. Some of them have become very close friends of mine.
We encourage each other, inspire each other and share our travel stories (good
and bad).

Q12. A word or two to our readers.

A12.There are over 190 countries in the world! Look beyond the UK, Dubai and
America and explore other beautiful countries. You'll never be the same after
it. Also traveling doesn't have to start from international travel, it can
start from domestic tourism. Nigeria is so diverse and you will be surprised
how much you can learn from home.